What Is The Difference Between Neanderthal Brain And Human Brain?

Posted on Mon, 21 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 21 Apr 2014 Answered on

Sat, 10 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi I've been looking at the neanderthal skull and the cerebellum seems to be much larger than in the modern skull. It looks as if we have reduced motor skills, balance etc by comparison. This may be due to different activities and lifestyle including reduced visual distance in urban living. The changes seem to be continuing and may account for some discomforts such as C1 to skull discomfort and reduced balance and co-ordination abilities in mid and old age. What is your knowledge and opinion ?

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: You are right in your analysis. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX Thanks for writing to HCM You are right in your analysis. Neanderthal's average cranial capacity was 1600 cc where as modern humans has an average 1400 cc. However due to larger body size,Neanderthals are less encephalized(means modern humans posses more brain as compared to neanderthal body size). Due to larger and stronger body,Neanderthals used to require more brain control.So their cerebellum part was more developed(Cerebellum is responsible for body control). They also required more vision so they had larger eye sockets and larger visual cortex than modern humans. Neanderthals enlarged their visual and somatic regions whereas modern humans achieved similarly large brains by increasing other brain areas like parietal lobes. Modern humans concentrated neural investment in social adaptations to solve ecological problems where as Neanderthals seem to have adopted an alternative strategy that involved enhanced vision coupled with retention of the physical robusticity. These changes are continuing in modern humans and it is causing spinal problems in modern humans.Spinal problem is basically due to acquiring erect posture by humans. Spinal problems can be minimized by life style changes,posture correction and exercise. Hope I have answered your question. Further queries are most welcome. Take Care Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (2 hours later)

thank you for your reply Dr XXXXXXX I notice that those creatures with large eyes tend to inhabit darkened settings or be nocturnal. The archaelogy suggests there was a change in environments from forests to grasslands at the time, making long distance vision more relevant and useful. I would like you or another specialist to enlarge upon your reply " Spinal problems can be minimized by life style changes, posture correction and exercise. " There are a lot of possibilities ; could you please narrow them down to those most likely to be effective ?

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (21 hours later)

Brief Answer: Please find detail answer below. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX Thanks for writing back Majority of spinal problems are related to bad life style and abnormal body posture. We should do exercise regularly.Majority of our movement is forward bending.We should stretch our body in backward bending. There are specific exercises for neck and lumbar region.We should regularly do these exercises. We shouldn't lift very heavy objects unless we are accustomed to it. We shouldn't sleep on very soft mattress. While reading try to keep books at optimum height so there is less strain in neck muscles.Never watch T.V in sleeping position. Hope I have answered your question. Further queries are most welcome. Take Care Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (10 hours later)

Thank you doctor XXXXXXX your replies have been most helpful. I also found your comment that we were originally designed to walk on fours and are less comfortable on two legs useful. I think it is called the dog pose in yoga on fours, and that is very relaxing for the neck, head and hips I'm finding. thank you again from Peta Emes

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (17 hours later)

Brief Answer: continue exercise Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for writing back Thanks for your comments.You should continue exercise for strengthening spinal muscles. Hope I have answered your question. Further queries are most welcome. Take Care Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E